Order of Saint Vincent

The International Order of Saint Vincent is an world-wide fellowship of lay ministers associated with with liturgy and sanctuary service in the western branches of the one One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

The members of the Order dedicate themselves to emphasize a worldwide fellowship of lay ministers within the Catholic Communions of Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; to instill within each lay minister an interest in proper liturgics; to encourage knowledge, understanding and preservation of traditional rituals; to pray that all members will consider their service as Lay Minister to be a vocation; to promote loyalty and full cooperation to clergy and lay leaders; to encourage regular attendance at the Holy Eucharist, and more careful preparation for its reception; and to promote unity in Christ and friendship among Lay Ministers

Members follow a rule of life that includes daily prayer, reading of the biblical Scriptures, regular attendance and participation at services and more careful preparation for the reception of the sacraments.

The Order dates back to 1877, when the first local Guild of St. Vincent was formed at St. Clement’s Church in Philadelphia (on the left), where the acolytes joined together in prayer, study, and training as a part of their service at God’s altar.  The Order was officially founded on the Feast of Vincent of Saragossa (22 January), 1915 at the Church of the Advent, Boston to serve Anglicans/Episcopalians in all of the North American countries. There, the Purpose, Objects, and Rule of Life were adopted by the Council of Governors consisting of clergy and laity with an advising Bishop.

Today, there are OSV Chapters in almost every state in the U. S. and around the world.  Passing down liturgical knowledge and our rich traditional heritage is our joy through teaching, guidance, inspiration, and example. The OSV produces educational tracts and manuals to help make this possible and also fosters fellowship by promoting activities among members outside the sanctuary. Many OSV Chapters have become the beginnings of parish youth groups (EYC) which often lead to social service in the church and the community.

At St. Andrew’s, the Regina Coeli chapter was organized 2009 with 4 Life Members and 17 annual members.  Our chapter teaches the concept of a “stairway of lay ministry” which is meant to extend throughout one’s life.  Men, women, boys and girls who are called, trained, and authorized according to church canons to perform one (or several) lay ministries associated with the liturgies of the church are eligible for membership in the Order of Saint Vincent.